The Alexander Art Academy’s Annual Showcase presents a collection of artworks by a community of artists under the mentorship of Marc Alexander. This event is both a celebration of their creativity and accomplishments, as well as an opportunity to reflect on the skills and knowledge they have gained. The displayed pieces showcase a wide range of styles, techniques, and mediums, with each artist focusing on their unique style, talent, and artistic preferences to create their finest work.
2027 marks our seventh exhibition and for the third time, will be showcased at the Iziko Learning Centre at Groot Constantia wine estate from 10 April to 28 May 2027. The exhibition will also feature a selection of artwork by art teacher and mentor Marc Alexander.
The chosen theme is ‘The Living Cape: An Educational Exploration of Nature and Identity‘, inviting viewers into a rich and multifaceted journey through the unique ecology and cultural diversity of Cape Town. Nestled between mountain, ocean, and veld, the Cape is not only home to one of the world’s most extraordinary floral kingdoms, but also to a vibrant tapestry of human stories, languages, traditions, and histories.
The Living Cape is both a visual and educational showcase that explores the deep connections between Cape Town’s natural landscapes and its diverse communities. Through artworks reflecting endemic fauna and flora, cultural identity, and historical context, the exhibition highlights the dynamic relationship between people and place, inviting reflection on how the land shapes who we are—and how we, in turn, shape the land.
We welcome you to explore, learn, and engage with this dynamic intersection of nature and identity—an ever-evolving story rooted in one of the most biodiverse and culturally layered regions in the world.
The Living Cape showcase will be open to the public from 10:00 am on Saturday, 10 April. Marc and Lindy Alexander will be present on Saturday and Sunday, 10 and 11 April, to meet and greet visitors. Marc will also offer free painting demonstrations every Saturday and Sunday for the duration of the exhibition.
Exhibition Guidelines
Who May Participate
All students currently registered at the Alexander Art Academy are welcome to participate. There is no age limit.
Theme
Your artwork must relate to the theme: “The Living Cape: An Educational Exploration of Nature and Identity.”
Approved Canvas Sizes
- 40 x 40 cm
- 40 x 50 cm (landscape or portrait)
- 40 x 60 cm (landscape or portrait)
Canvases must be at least 2.5 cm deep, either wooden or 12oz cotton duck stretched on a combination stretcher.
Canvas Prices (if ordered through the Academy)
Wooden Canvases – Solid wooden canvas, ultra smooth surface and routed edges, 25mm deep, quality wood primer and Double-Primed Acrylic.
- 40 x 40 cm – R170
- 40 x 50 cm – R190
- 40 x 60 cm – R220
Winsen’s Stretched Canvases – Stretched Cotton Duck, 25mm deep stretcher frame, double-primed Acrylic Gesso.
- 40 x 40 cm – R260
- 40 x 50 cm – R290
- 40 x 60 cm – R370
Presentation
- Fit a secure hanging system one-third from the top on the inside of the stretcher, or Marc can install one for R40 per artwork.
- Artworks may be in any medium (oil, acrylic, watercolour, pencil, etc.).
- Artworks on paper (drawings, watercolours, prints, etc.) must be on 300gsm archival paper and framed behind glass.
- Prints must be part of a numbered series.
- Digital and photographic artworks are accepted.
- Framed works must fit within the stated canvas sizes.
Additional Notes
- No artwork previously exhibited at the Academy’s annual exhibition will be accepted as a catalogue artwork.
- Sign or initial your artwork neatly at the bottom front. Write your full name, surname, and title on the back.
- Do not include the date or artist’s price on the artwork.
Archival Prints and unstretched Original Art for the Art Box
- If an exhibition/catalogue artwork has been submitted, then paper prints of the artwork may also be submitted
- Paper prints that meet the prescribed format from previous AAA exhibitions may be submitted
- Any unstretched original artworks on paper, canvas sheets, or canvas boards etc, may be submitted.
Photography Services for original stretched artworks:
A Photographic Affair, Fish Hoek Main Road (29 – 31 May).
Contact: Cara Vredenberg cel number – 071 113 5418
- Web-catalogue image: R150
- Print-quality image: R200
- Prints on 300 g Hahnemühle paper accepted (additional R55 wrapping option)
Private photographer Sasha, will photograph and edit your artwork after delivery
- Web-catalogue image only: R60 per image
Consignment Agreement
- By submitting your artwork, you give the Alexander Art Academy sole permission to sell your work during the exhibition.
- A 30% commission will be taken from all sales.
- All artworks must remain available for sale throughout the exhibition.
- Your artwork will appear in the online catalogue, which serves as a permanent record of The Living Cape exhibition.
- Artists must ensure their artwork’s sale status and price remain accurate.
The 30% commission also applies to any artwork sold online after the exhibition.
- Artists must ensure their artwork’s sale status and price remain accurate.
- The Academy’s agency ends once the artwork is sold or returned, but the online catalogue will remain active.
- If an artwork later becomes unavailable for sale, please notify the Academy by email.
- Artists are responsible for insuring their own work. The Academy, sponsors, and venue cannot be held liable for loss or damage.
Pricing your artworks
- The retail price = Artist’s price + 30% commission.
- Artist’s price should normally range between R2,000 and R8,000, unless higher market value applies.
- Prices must be consistent with your current gallery or website pricing.
- The Academy is not VAT registered.
Submission Details
- Digital Entry Form: Must be completed by all students. Click here for Artwork Entry Form
- Submission Deadline: Friday 2 April 2027.
- Submission Fee: R150 per artwork (non-refundable).
- Image Requirement: A high-quality 3MB photo for the online catalogue.
- No fee for paper prints or unstretched originals.
- Late entries will not be accepted.
EFT Payments:
FNB – Alexander Art Academy
Account No: 62833810816
Branch Code: 260300
Reference: Initials & Surname
Email proof of payment to: admin@alexanderartacademy.com
Packaging & Delivery
- Artworks must be securely packaged and clearly labelled with the artist’s name and title.
- Use handy-wrap instead of tape on bubble wrap so it can be reused.
- Only one whole sheet of bubble wrap per artwork will be accepted. No scrap pieces may be joined together!
- Returned works will be repackaged in the same materials.
Selection Process
- The selection committee’s decision is final.
- The Academy may reject artworks that don’t follow the rules, lack craftsmanship, or contain inappropriate, offensive, or discriminatory content.
- The final list of selected artists will be announced on 5 April 2027 on the Academy’s website and social media.
Participating Artists: To be confirmed…
